If you think you are having a stroke, go to the emergency room.

MRIs often find minor abnormalities that have nothing to do with headaches. This can cause unnecessary stress. Avoid asking for an MRI for headaches unless you are in one of the at-risk groups. [2] X Research source Your doctor might make an exception if there have been significant changes to your headaches. Discuss all of you symptoms with your doctor.

Your doctor will most likely recommend therapy and medication first. If you don’t respond to this treatment, the doctor may recommend a brain scan.

Some facilities offer open MRIs for people with claustrophobia or those who are too large to fit in a closed MRI machine. MRIs are generally more expensive and take longer than CT scans. In the United States, an MRI generally costs over $2,500, even with insurance. They might cost anywhere from around $500 to over $13,000, depending on where you live.

Sometimes you can get a CT scan if you can’t get an MRI. If you have an injury that makes it hard for you to lay still or if you are getting treated for cancer, your doctor may recommend a CT scan rather than an MRI. CT scans can cost between $300 to $5000, depending on where you go and what your insurance covers.

Each case is unique. Discuss all of your symptoms and concerns with a doctor to figure out what is best for you. To cope with claustrophobia, try focusing on your breathing, counting, or going to a mental “happy place. “[8] X Research source In some cases, the MRI technician can offer you relaxing music to listen to.

You will have to lie still for 15-60 minutes, so avoid drinking a lot of fluids right before your test.

Some devices can even be a safety hazard if they are attracted to the magnets in the MRI machine.

Depending on the placement of your tattoo and the ink used, your doctor may recommend a CT scan instead.

In urgent cases, your doctor may recommend an MRI or an alternative test.

Also remove any hairpins, glasses, or cosmetics that may contain metallic parts.

Very rarely, the dye can cause an allergic reaction. Make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have chronic kidney disease or reduced kidney function. The contrast dye can sometimes make these problems worse. [15] X Research source

If you are anxious, your technician might give you a “panic button” to press if you need to end the test early.

This will help the doctor look at brain activity when you are performing a specific action.

The low amount of radiation doesn’t pose much of a risk, but if you are worried, talk about it with your doctor.

You may also need to remove jewelry, glasses, hearing aids, and removable dental work.

Most CT scans only take a few minutes.

Your technician may also hold you back for a few minutes after the test to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction to the contrast fluid.